Emergency Medical Technicians or EMTs perform a fast paced and exciting career designed to help in emergency medical situations.  Demand is high for qualified and accredited EMTs.  Salary is projected to increase as the need for more EMTs increases.

Emergency Medical Technician Training

To become an emergency medical technician (EMT), a person has to first obtain a high school diploma or GED equivalent.  After that is accomplished, the next step is to enter into a formal or accredited emergency medical technician training program.  These programs usually contain three different levels of education including EMT-basic, EMT-intermediate, and EMT-paramedic.  These levels are progressive learning, the easiest starting at EMT-basic and the most advanced being Paramedic.  A person training to become an EMT can expect to be in school from between six months to two years, depending on how far advanced as an emergency medical tech they wish to become.

An EMT- basic program curriculum puts emphasis on emergency skills such as patient assessment, physical exams, semi-automatic defibrillation, also dealing with respiratory, trauma, and cardiac emergencies, bleeding, fractures, airway obstruction, and assisting in emergency childbirth and administering medication.  An EMT- basic also learns how to maintain and handle emergency equipment including splints, stretchers, oxygen systems, and suction devices.

To graduate in an EMT-basic training program a person must pass a written and practical “hands- on” examination administered by the NREMT or the State Licensing agency.

An EMT-intermediate level program consists of the same things of an EMT-basic but performs in a more advanced way.  For example, EMT-intermediates learn to use advanced airway devices, intravenous fluids, and manual defibrillators.  An EMT- intermediate also has to complete a written and practical exam, but in addition to that, 30 to 300 hours of training can be required depending on the extent of practice.

EMT- paramedics are the most advanced in their field.  Paramedic training is conducted at a technical school or community college and can take between one to two years, depending on the intensity of study. An EMT- paramedic receives training in physiology, and anatomy, as well as advanced medical skills.  EMT- paramedics will administer emergency medications and perform a broader band of procedures compared to EMT- basic and EMT- intermediate.

Extensive clinical and field experience, along with extensive class work, is required.

All Emergency Medical Technicians have to pass a licensing exam and take refresher courses and continuing education courses.

Emergency Medical Technician Schools

The following is a list of some of the schools that offer an accredited emergency medical technician program.

Austin Community College

5930 Middle Fiskville Rd
Austin, TX 78752
USA
Main Tel: (512) 223-7000

Classes are primarily offered in the evenings, usually from 5:30-10 p.m. twice a week. In the summer semester, the class is held three times per week.  Mandatory clinicals are a defining part of the EMT-Basic education.   Classes are typically team taught by certified instructors who are active participants in EMS.  Students work in a collaborative environment designed to help them stay motivated and excited about the profession.

Cuyahoga Community College

700 Carnegie Ave
Cleveland, OH 44115-2878
USA
Main Tel: (800) 954-8742

The EMT basic program is designed for individuals interested in pursuing a career as an Emergency Medical Technician. It prepares students for entry level positions with ambulance and Emergency Medical Services (EMS). The EMT paramedic program prepares students to advance their career with ambulance and Emergency Medical Services (EMS).  Students who successfully complete this program are eligible to take the National Registry of EMT Paramedic examination. Successful completion of this examination is necessary for State of Ohio Paramedic certification.

Fayetteville Technical Community College

2201 Hull Rd
Fayetteville, NC 28303-0236
USA
Main Tel: (910) 678-8400

The student will be provided knowledge and training in skills to control bleeding, application of splints, prevention of shock, childbirth, and other basic life support techniques.  At the completion of this course, the student will be qualified to take the Office of EMS NC State EMT Basic Exam or the National Registry Exam.  Prerequisite for this course is a high school diploma or GED.  The course requires the student to comply with the FTCC Hepatitis B Immunization policy.  The policy states that the student must have a Hepatitis B vaccination.

City College Of San Francisco

50 Phelan Ave
San Francisco, CA 94112-1898
USA
Main Tel: (415) 239-3000

An EMT will learn the theoretical knowledge and technical skills necessary for working in the emergency prehospital medical field.  Key topics include: emergency management of victims of serious illness or injury; management of a disaster scene; and extrication of victims. It is designed to train individuals in the basic life support skills necessary to work on an ambulance. Clinical skills in the course include: management of respiratory, cardiac, medical emergencies; obstetric and pediatric emergencies; traumatic injuries; and environmental emergencies.

Pima Community College

401 North Bonita Avenue
Tucson, AZ 85709-5000
USA
Main Tel: (520) 206-4500

Learn pre-hospital emergency medical care, including physical assessment, medical techniques and ambulance operations. This program is approved by the Arizona Department of Health Services.  Complete this program exclusively on weekdays, exclusively on evenings/weekends, or in a combination of daytime, evening and weekend classes.

Emergency Medical Technician Salary

Even though location and experience affects an EMT’s salary, demand for qualified, accredited emergency medical tech’s is on the rise and salary increases are expected to rise.  Emergency Medical Technicians can expect to make between ten and sixteen dollars an hour according to the National Pay Scale.  Annual income ranges between twenty and forty-one thousand dollars.  Usually bonuses are paid annually, ranging between a few hundred dollars and over a thousand dollars.  An EMT can increase their salary with obtaining higher degrees.  Generally, EMT’s with an associate’s degree in applied sciences will earn the most income.